Results of French Elections
Are Set to Lift Local Firms

Once French investors get over the country's early elimination from the World Cup soccer tournament, they may realize they have something new to cheer about.

A conservative victory in French parliamentary elections could open the door to a new slate of pro-business legislation, including pension overhaul, tax cuts and tinkering with the 35-hour French workweek. Analysts say that enactment of these and other changes could benefit the financial-services industry, defense contractors and many of France's small and midsize companies.